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Seniors graduate early, reflect trend

Reflecting a growing trend of more and more seniors receiving diplomas in January, 115 seniors graduated on Jan. 4.

According to information provided by the Registrar’s Office, 63 seniors, or just more than half of the 115 January graduates, were graduating in seven semesters.

The remainder had taken at least nine semesters, although the data does not account for circumstances such as leaves of absence or deferral of graduation, said Nancy Osth, commencement coordinator.

The total number of undergraduate diplomas granted in January has risen in the past few years. In 2003, there were 122 graduates in January, although it is not certain how many of those were early graduates.

Prior to that, in 2002, January graduates totaled 83, although it is again unclear how many of that number graduated early. Before 2002, the number is believed to have been relatively consistent.

The most recently publicized January graduation was former student body president Pat Hallahan.